Michael Penix Jr. Gives Injury Update Ahead of Falcons-Panthers After Missing Week 1 Amid Knee Issue

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. provided an update on the health of his knee after he was inactive during the team's Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I'm still working toward [playing]," Penix said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi . "We're working right now. I'm close. I know I've been saying that."

The signal-caller also explained that he wants to suit up, but still has more steps to take in his recovery.

"I'm dying to be out there," Penix said, per Raimondi . "At the same time, I have to think about how I feel."

Penix suffered a torn ACL in Week 11 of the 2025 season before Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in Week 15 of last year.

While Mahomes was able to start for the Chiefs to open his 2026 campaign, Penix noted that he's underwent more knee procedures than the two-time MVP.

Penix didn't close the door on being active in Week 2, but is taking a day-to-day approach with his health.

"I've gotta focus on what I can do to get better every day," Penix said, per Raimondi .

He also confirmed that he'll be the one to determine when he's available this season.

Penix was in a positional battle with Tua Tagovailoa for Atlanta's starting quarterback role in training camp, but wasn't cleared to practice fully until Aug. 22.

Tagovailoa earned the first-string job before he also ended up missing the Falcons' season-opening defeat against the Steelers due to an oblique injury , as Cooper Rush ultimately started under center.

Rush finished 12-of-22 for 143 yards and one touchdown to go along with a pair of interceptions in the 20-13 loss.

On Monday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Falcons "would like Michael Penix to be their starting quarterback when he is healthy."

The original return timeframe for Penix was Week 2 or Week 3, per Rapoport.

The former first-round pick was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice on Atlanta's injury report , while Tagovailoa did not participate due to the oblique issue.

Penix previously started nine games for the Falcons last season, completing 60.1 percent of his throws for 1,982 yards and nine touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

Atlanta will face the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Carolina struggled defensively during a season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears, allowing 59 points and 552 total yards.

The Falcons and Panthers are set to clash on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.